2016 Lake County Memorial Day Parades

There’s a reason we hold our armed forces so high. They risk their lives to instill the freedom of our country. That’s why we continue celebrations of the returned, the wounded, the missing in action and the dead of the United States.

On Memorial Day we celebrate the women and men in the United States that have fought valiantly to maintain or freedom. Some of these heroes are still with us, and some have fallen, but all should be honored for putting their lives on the line for us.

Ceremonies and other Events

Come out and help celebrate the veterans at the CLC Memorial Day celebration. The keynote speaker will be Paul Hettich, U.S. Army. Other speakers include CLC President Dr. Jerry Weber; Ellen Dimock, Gold Star Mother of Spc. Joey W. Dimock II, U.S. Army Ranger; Spc. Margaret Bennett, U.S. Army; and Sgt. Matthew J. Pirrello, U.S. Army Recruiter. Reading of the meaning of America’s White Table will be done by Hettich’s sons, Col. Paul J. Hettich and CW4 (retired) Philip A. Hettich, Apache Pilot U.S. Army. The master of ceremonies will be Mike Peck, superintendent of the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission.

It’s Memorial Day this weekend, and Great Lakes Naval Museum is the
perfect place to honor those who fought. The Naval Station Great Lakes museum will host a lecture: The Calumet Navy Yard and the Fight for Civil Rights, 1942-45. In early 1942, the U.S. Navy turned to the nation’s railroad car builder, Pullman, for 78 naval warships. In just 30 months, the shipyard’s 6,000 men and women dramatically challenged American racial segregation. Archivist Martin Tuohy will explore all of this and more in the free lecture.

The Illinois Brass Band, winners of six
North American Band Association
awards, will perform a free Memorial Day weekend concert at the outdoor stage of the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center on Sunday. Enjoy some great music with the family.

The Essence Of Freedom Run is an annual event to raise funds that are desperately needed by the brave men and women both active duty and Veterans, who defend our country in the armed forces. Choose from a 5K or 10K race and run through the streets of downtown Deerfield. Active Duty, including Police and Fire Departments, run free.

The Gurnee American Legion Post 771 will be holding the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Gurnee Memorial (located in front of the Police Station at the intersection on Washington & O’Plaine Road). The ceremony will feature the guest speaker and patriotic music. In case of rain the ceremony will be moved to the American Legion Post.

Recline and relax as you take part in the 2016 Lake County Memorial Day Parades and other events.